the ombudsman and disabled consumers

Over a fifth of the consumers who contact us tell us that they have a disability or different need. The ombudsman is committed to making our service accessible to everyone - and we aim to meet any different communication need our customers may have.

Often consumers who have a different need may feel like this has not been acknowledged by the business they are dealing with - and we are keen that these people know there is somewhere else they can turn if they are unhappy.

We've been working closely with trusted media partners - from national magazines and radio stations to charities - to raise awareness of our service. We recognise that there are specific issues which may be more relevant to someone who has a disability. For example, our research shows that we are more likely to receive a complaint about a catalogue company from someone who tells us they have a disability. We are keen to raise awareness of these specific issues that affect everyday lives - both in the media and through attending outreach events.

But we'd like to do more. If you have any suggestions about how you think we should let people with a disability or their carers know about our service, get in touch.

our work with the media

Check out our latest features in some of the leading lifestyle magazines for people who have a disability:

• Pos'Ability:
  • don't get scammed when you surf
  • making a wheelchair work in the workplace
  • manage your money
• Access:
  • money matters: avoiding the January financial blues
  • money matters: festive finances
  • Clocking on
• regular coverage in Disability (now Access) - the magazine for disabled people and healthcare professionals:
  • take cover
  • avoiding catalogue chaos
  • credit where it's due
  • cash points
  • buying on credit
  • money matters
  • driven to distraction

• regular features in Able - the disability lifestyle-magazine:
  • New Year, New Start
  • money makes the world go round
  • spring clean your finances
  • holidays without the hassle
  • an ombudsman service for everyone
• coverage in The Parkinson, the Parkinson's Disease Society's quarterly magazine, in the society's on-line information sheets, and the impact of Parkinson's on our money.
• coverage in RADAR's publications:
  • If only I'd known that a year ago - containing practical advice and information for people who have become recently disabled
  • New Bulletin - distributed to a wide network of charities and front-line organisations providing support and advice to disabled people
    
• coverage on Disability Now's website and in Renew, the flagship magazine of Rehab (the charity for people with brain injuries)

We also provide audio information on radio stations specifically for people who have a disability such as:

• Able radio

out and about

Our ongoing outreach work involves meeting people with a disability and the people who care for them around the country including:

• Naidex shows - we regularly attend the show which promotes independent living for people who have a disability.
• National diversity awards - we sponsored the award for positive role model in the disability category and attended the ceremony to present the award to Liam Mackin.
• Oxleas Mental Health Foundation Trust - we are an associate member of the Trust.
• Prime Minister's Challenge on Dementia - we are taking part in an initiative between financial businesses, industry bodies and the Alzheimer's Society to create a culture of dementia-friendly financial services.

If you are organising or know of any events in your local area for people with a disability or their carers which you think we should be a part of just get in touch.